Extend Range of RKE (starter)

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Extend Range of RKE (starter)

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Chevrolet >> Chevy Cars >> Malibu >> Extend Range of RKE (starter)

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Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/21/2007 9:47:55 PM

Killian

Posts: 5
Joined: 1/21/2007
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Anybody have an idea on how to extend the 200' range of the factory installed Remote Keyless Entry? The aftermarket remote systems I've had on other cars work from at least 4x that distance. I'm nearly to my car at work before I can even think of remote starting it, which kinda defeats the purpose.

I've read on the Tahoe forum that they've been able to do a simple little trick to get a much better range. Kinda hoping I could get a little help trying to do the same thing to my 05 Malibu LS V6.

I appreciate any help anyone has to offer. Thanks in advance.

Killian

Post #: 1

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 3:17:24 AM

48fan

Posts: 56
Joined: 12/29/2006
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I'm going to assume your little trick is by sticking it under your chin. It's worked for me. Also if you have anything in your auxiliary power outlets (cigarette lighter outlets) it will affect your remote starter and keyless entry.

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 2

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 7:36:58 AM

Killian

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Joined: 1/21/2007
Status: offline

Under your chin :) ? That is a joke right? Actually I was referring to this post http://www.chevroletforum.com/m_11353/tm.htm. Guess I should've linked to it in my original message.

Figured I could find this antenna wire on the Malibu , assuming it has one, and try the same. Not sure where to start looking. I've had the moulding off around the rear window before. It's a pain since you have to remove so much just to get to it. Though thats probably where it's located.

Has anyone else tried to do this to thier Malibu?

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 3

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 8:15:38 AM

48fan

Posts: 56
Joined: 12/29/2006
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I thought the chin thing was what you meant by 'little trick'. I can only assume then that you are talking about pulling the antenna wire out. I have heard from many different sources (not limited to Chevy) that pulling the antenna wire out increases your range. Give it a shot.

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 4

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 8:22:45 AM

Killian

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Joined: 1/21/2007
Status: offline

Thats alright, I just got a little kick out of the chin thing. Never heard of that.

Figure I'd give it a shot today, just not sure where the antenna is. Hate to start tearing all the panels off without a clue of what I'm looking for. Maybe it'll look similar to the Omron box and antenna that the Tahoe has but I really have no clue. Any thoughts on where it may be located?

(in reply to 48fan)

Post #: 5

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 11:59:25 AM

MalibuMaxxSS

Posts: 598
Joined: 11/18/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Killian

Thats alright, I just got a little kick out of the chin thing. Never heard of that.

Figure I'd give it a shot today, just not sure where the antenna is. Hate to start tearing all the panels off without a clue of what I'm looking for. Maybe it'll look similar to the Omron box and antenna that the Tahoe has but I really have no clue. Any thoughts on where it may be located?

In canada Astro start sells a module to extend the range t 1500 feet ..and ya the chin thing is weird but it works

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(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 6

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 3:54:15 PM

Killian

Posts: 5
Joined: 1/21/2007
Status: offline

Ok, update. I have removed rear window mouldings and the rear deck lid. I see no antenna wire other than the radio cable. This wire runs from front of vehicle down driver side to the back. Then up C-pillar, connecting to a small amplifier box which then connects to the rear window built in antenna.

I have looked behind the A-pillar mouldings on both sides. Neither seem to have any wires other than for the airbag system. Also took apart knee bolster, center dash at the radio, and the glove compartment. I do not see any wire that appears to be an antenna for the RKE.

I did a quick range test before I got started this afternoon. Took the car to an empty parking lot with no electrical wires nearby. The furthest I could get was around 150'.

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 7

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 4:24:30 PM

48fan

Posts: 56
Joined: 12/29/2006
Status: offline

Hmmm...The remote keyless entry module should be under the rear window 'shelf' ('deck lid' as you put it). If there isn't a little wire coming out of the module then there isn't one.

However, if the RKE is aftermarket it should have a wire coming out of it. I don't know if it is standard for installers to place the aftermarket module in the same location where the stock module would be, so there is no telling where the module could be.

Find the module and you�ll find your wire; or lack thereof.

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 8

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 4:51:28 PM

Killian

Posts: 5
Joined: 1/21/2007
Status: offline

This is a factory installed RKE with start. No aftermarket system installed.

There is a little box under the carpeted deck shelf between the rear deck speakers. Is this the RKE system? If so, there is only 3 small (maybe 24awg) wires coming out of it. If this is what I'm looking for then there does not appear to be any type of antenna wire from what I can tell.

Any idea how I can extend the range? Anyone? Thanks again.

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 9

RE: Extend Range of RKE (starter) - 1/22/2007 5:21:12 PM

48fan

Posts: 56
Joined: 12/29/2006
Status: offline

Yeah thats your RKE module, but I don't know how to extend your range with this type of system. Actually the remote start systems are programmed to have a shorter range than your RKE.

(in reply to Killian)

Post #: 10